Welcome to the ultimate guide for your OET Test on Computer. In the first part of the guide, we showed you what to do before the OET Test. In this second part, you'll learn what to expect on the day of the OET Test.
On the day of the OET Test
The order of the sub-tests
The Listening, Reading and Writing sub-tests are held at the test venue, while the Speaking sub-test is completed from your home, over Zoom.
You will start by completing the Listening sub-test followed by Reading and Writing. You will not be able to access your locker during this time, and if you leave the test room to use the toilet, you will have to go through the security check again. Remember, added time won’t be given for toilet breaks.
Your Speaking sub-test may take place either before or after your Listening, Reading and Writing tests, depending on your individual timetable.
Checking in at the test venue
When you arrive at the test venue, you’ll be greeted by a member of the venue staff in the reception area. They’ll then:
- Ask for your name, test you are sitting (OET) and check your ID.
- Explain rules and regulations for the test and venue with you. Be sure to ask if you haven't understood anything.
- Issue a locker and key so you can store your personal belongings securely, including your phone.
- Take your photo.
You may then be asked to sit in the waiting area until it's time to go ahead into the test room. At this point you’ll be able to visit the toilet before the test.
Security check
Security checks are a crucial step in the OET Test Day process. An administrator will check that you don’t have any cameras, earpieces, notes or other items that could give you an unfair advantage in the test.
You will have to remove your eyeglasses for close visual inspection, pull up your sleeves, turn your pockets inside out and raise your pant legs.
Entering the test room (for the Listening, Reading and Writing sub-tests)
Following checks, you will be asked to enter the test room, where you'll be given a computer desk. Once you're sitting comfortably, please enter your 8-digit confirmation number and hit the ‘OK’ button. You'll then be asked to confirm that your details are correct. If they are not, please raise your hand so a Proctor can help you.
Lastly, you'll need to scroll down and click to accept the OET Test terms and conditions.
You will then see an on-screen tutorial about taking the OET Test. Please pay attention, and once you are confident about how to progress, click the "Start the Test" button at the bottom right corner of your screen.
If you need help at any point, simply raise your hand. However, Proctors are not there to help you answer test questions.
Watch this short video tutorial to learn about the OET Test on Computer.
Sitting each sub-test in the OET Test
Sitting the Listening sub-test
The Listening sub-test has three parts and runs for approximately 40 minutes in total, with time to check your responses in each part.
Overall, there are 42 question items based on general healthcare topics. You’ll listen to recorded conversations and answer the questions as you go through the test.
Watch this brief tutorial that takes you through the OET Listening Test:
Sitting the Reading sub-test
You’ll have 60 minutes to complete the Reading sub-test, which consists of three parts and has a total of 42 question items. The 60 minutes is split into 15 minutes for Part A and 45 minutes for Parts B and C.
Watch this quick tutorial to learn about the OET Reading Test:
Sitting the Writing sub-test
The Writing sub-test takes 45 minutes and is specific to your profession. Each of the 12 professions will have a unique writing task based on a typical workplace situation.
See how the OET Writing Test works in the video tutorial below:
Sitting the Speaking test at home
The Speaking sub-test is delivered individually and takes approximately 20-30 minutes, including all security checks.
You will take the Speaking sub-test online at home (or another suitable location) via Zoom.
You’ll receive an email with the link to launch your Speaking test via Zoom closer to your test day. This email may include a password, which you can use to access the Zoom meeting – but it’s not always needed.
For more details about test day requirements and information, download the Online Speaking Test user guide before your OET Test.
Choosing your testing environment:
Your testing environment should:
- Be in a walled, indoor, well-lit space
- Be quiet and without distractions
- Include a clear, clean desk and chair (no clutter around or underneath your workspace)
- Be free of unauthorised items (e.g., notes, mugs, books, tissues, etc.)
- Have your device set up with your power source and equipment as needed (remove any other plugs)
Remember to ensure your room is private and no one else is around for the test. If you have any other screens in your surroundings (like a TV), it should be unplugged and covered or removed from the area.
What to have with you
- Your original, valid, acceptable ID (as above) used for booking
- A piece of blank paper
- A pen or pencil
- If you wish, a clear bottle of water without a label.
Note: you may not use headphones for the Speaking test.
Setting up your device:
- Use a laptop, desktop PC or tablet with webcam. Note: be sure to use a plugged-in or built-in webcam that can be moved.
- Plug your device directly into a power source.
- Use your device’s built-in speakers and microphone, USB plug-in or wireless Bluetooth speakers and microphone.
- Make sure you have a stable internet connection (we recommend using a LAN/ethernet cable connected to your router for the best connection).
Please note that mobile phones and headphones/headsets may not be used to take the Speaking test.
For more details about setup requirements for the Speaking test, download the Online Speaking user guide found on oet.com/test.
Downloading Zoom and creating an account
Before the day of your Speaking sub-test, you’ll need to download and install the latest version of Zoom on your device. Be sure to create an account if you haven’t already, and test Zoom your device.
To download Zoom:
- Visit: zoom.us/support/download
- If the download doesn’t start automatically, click on the .exe file for your device to begin the installation.
You’ll then have to create an account using the same email address you used for your OET Test. If you already have a Zoom account with the same email address, you’re ready to run a system check.
Create an account:
You’ll then have to create an account using the same email address you used for your OET Test. If you already have a Zoom account with the same email address, you’re ready to run a system check.
- Open the Zoom app
- Click ‘Sign Up Free’
- Follow the prompts and be sure to enter the same email address that you used to book the OET Test.
Run a system check:
Before your Speaking sub-test, run a system check on your device. You can join a test Zoom meeting to familiarise yourself with the program and test your microphone and speakers.
- Visit zoom.us/test
- Click the blue ‘Join’ button to launch Zoom.
- Follow the prompts. Be sure to carefully check your internet and test your speakers, microphone and webcam.
Launching your online Speaking test
When you are sitting comfortably at your prepared desk/table, click on the link we’ve emailed to you to launch your Speaking Test.
You will wait in Zoom’s virtual lobby until your interlocutor is ready to let you in and guide you through security checks.
During the Speaking sub-test
Before you begin your test, the interlocutor will introduce themselves, check your ID, and take you through security checks for the test. As part of this process, they will also take a photo of you.
Next, your interlocutor will take you through some warm-up questions, which are not assessed to help you feel comfortable.
The test itself consists of two role plays, each five minutes long. Each profession will have specifically designed materials that draw on real healthcare scenarios.
At the start of the preparation time for each role play, the interlocutor will share their screen with the role play card, which you’ll be able to see throughout the role play. You will be given three minutes to read the card, make notes and ask the interlocutor to clarify anything you don’t understand. This includes the definition or pronunciation of words on the card but not how you should complete the task.
You’ll be able to see the time throughout but don’t focus on the clock too much – the interlocutor will tell you when your time is up.
You will follow the same process for the second role play card.
It’s important to remember that the interlocutor does not assess you during the Speaking sub-test.
If you would like more information about the OET Test, check out the OET Test Regulations on oet.com.
We hope you have found this guide helpful, and we wish you all the best for test day!